Broken door lock?

First, you'll want to make sure that everything is working well - not just the car lock itself. If you're having trouble using your remote locking mechanism attached to your keychain, then you may want to check the batteries. Believe it or not, this can actually be a relatively common problem with an easy fix: simply replace the batteries in your remote mechanism and give it a test. If your car locks still aren't budging, it's time to move on to the next step.

What is that next step? You'll want to check all of the door locks in your car and see how they're working. If they're all not functioning, then you likely have a problem with a blown fuse. If only one car door lock isn't functioning, then the problem may be with that door lock's solenoid. Now you know where to go in order to fix your locking problem: the answer should lie either with the individual lock or the fuse that is connected to every power lock on your car.

If you're looking at a problem with an individual lock, you'll need to determine what the problem exactly is - it will most likely lie with the wires or the lock mechanism itself. If you can open the door and take a look at the lock, making sure to move it up and down if you can, you should try to see if the lock makes "attempts" at locking. If this is the case, then you're looking at a frozen lock mechanism. If not, you may want to look at the wiring of your lock; this will often call for a replacement.

The car door lock is an important and sometimes tricky thing to figure out. If you have too many doubts about what the problem is, simply contact a professional who can make the right diagnosis. At the very least, see if you can get in touch with a friend who's interested in cars.

Photo Credits: Paul Kehrer

Originally posted 2009-09-04 03:23:57.

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1. How to Fix a Sticking Door Lock
2. How to Fix a Deadbolt Lock Through Replacing
3. How to Fix a Winter Car Emergency Before It Happens By Building a Winter Car Kit

Deadbolt with Key.

First, it helps to understand that there are generally two types of deadbolts - internal and external. An interior deadbolt will generally be more secure, but can be a little more difficult to remove or install, while an exterior deadbolt will be the opposite - not quite as secure, but easier to remove. If you're a solid do-it-yourselfer, you should have no problem installing a quality interior deadbolt.

When it's time to replace your deadbolt, you'll want to make sure you prepare adequately. This means you'll want to test the quality of your door's wood - if it's so old that nothing will come out, it's generally a good idea to simply buy a new door. You'll also want to look and see how your current deadbolt is installed for any clues you can get about installing a new one. Also, make sure you do proper research and preparation in terms of your new deadbolt - it should be able to fit properly once you place it in the door.

To begin, simply remove the screws from the old deadbolt and remove it as best you see fit - generally, you'll want to remove the smaller pieces before the bigger ones, though this rule isn't always set in stone. Remember to make a mental note of what you're doing in case you need to work the opposite way when you install the new deadbolt.

When you put in the new deadbolt, do your best to follow any instructions you have. Your new deadbolt should be able to fit if you've done your homework. Make sure you install the right side up - a good way to check this is to make sure any writing isn't upside down - and make sure that the new deadbolt is properly installed and secure in the door. Give it some tests, having someone help you by locking it from the inside and having you try to open it from the outside. After a few tests, you should be good to go. Congratulations! You've installed a new deadbolt.

Photo Credits: The Suss-Man (Mike)

Originally posted 2010-01-14 03:47:53.

Related posts:

1. How to Fix a Sticking Door Lock
2. How to Fix an Automatic Car Door Lock
3. How to Fix a Baluster That Needs Replacing

Stuck door lock?

Nothing's more frustrating than coming home from a tough day at work only to find that the key you use every day to get into your home isn't working like it should. If it's sticking in the door lock and you know your door knob is the culprit, this article will teach you how to lubricate your door lock to running more smoothly. If you've ever seen the Tin Man's appearance in "The Wizard of Oz," you're already halfway there!

First, understand how to diagnose a sticky lock that simply needs lubrication. A good way to conduct this test is simple: try turning the key in your door's lock even as the door is open. If there's still stickiness, then there's a good chance that you'll need to use the lubrication.

So what kind of lubrication do you use? First, remember that the lubrication you apply into the door lock will likely be staying there. For that reason, you'll want to use something that won't cause problems down the road. Graphite powder will work for you. Why not use a petroleum-based oil? You can, but remember that it could stay in there and collect dust, and even get on your key. If you've used a lubrication of a certain type in your doorknob before, try to use the same one, as you don't want to mix lubricants.

To use the graphite powder, insert the squeeze-tube pointing upwards into the door lock, squeezing the tube a few times to shoot the powder into the lock. Make sure that you apply the powder to the door bolt, as well, just to make sure you have your bases covered.

After applying the powder, use your key to insert into the lock and turn it over and over, moving the graphite powder around to as many areas as possible.

Once you've done this, you shouldn't have any more problems with your door lock, unless the problem isn't with the lubrication. There might be something wrong with the door knob itself, in which case you'll need to make more extensive repairs or even replace it. If you find yourself pushing or pulling the door in order to get the lock to work, then your door's alignment is the problem.

If the graphite powder did the trick, you should be ready to use your door lock easily again! Enjoy, and make sure to stay on top of your home improvement so that you never need to get frustrated after those tough days at work. Fixing your job is another story!

Photo Credits: René Ehrhardt

Originally posted 2009-12-19 03:20:15.

Related posts:

1. How to Fix an Automatic Car Door Lock
2. How to Fix a Deadbolt Lock Through Replacing
3. How to Fix a Door that Lets Out Heat